The Best Family Guide to Greece 

Here's the best family guide to Greece to help you plan your trip.

The Best Time for Families to Visit Greece

The shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are typically the best time for families to visit Greece. During these periods, the weather is generally mild, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C, making it ideal for discovering historical sites, exploring the outdoors, and lounging on the beaches. These seasons also offer fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months, allowing families to enjoy popular attractions without the hassle of long lines and overcrowded spaces.

Springtime is also a fantastic time for families to visit Greece, as it showcases blooming wildflowers and lush landscapes, creating picturesque settings for family adventures. It's an excellent time for sightseeing, hiking, and participating in cultural events celebrating Greek traditions.

Meanwhile, autumn brings pleasant temperatures and clear skies, perfect for exploring ancient ruins, charming villages, and scenic islands. Beaches are quieter during this time, allowing you to spend fun days at the beach with your loved ones. It's also the perfect time to enjoy leisurely walks through colourful countryside dotted with olive groves and vineyards.

The Best Places to Visit in Greece for Families

Greece has numerous destinations that appeal to families with different interests and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Greece for families:

• Athens - discover ancient wonders such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Check out the Acropolis Museum, offering interactive exhibits suitable for kids of all ages.

• Santorini - despite its reputation as a honeymoon destination, Santorini also offers family-friendly activities such as boat tours, fun days at the beach, and exploring the charming villages of Oia and Fira.

• Rhodes - families who love history should visit Rhodes and explore its medieval Old Town and ancient sights like the Palace of the Grand Master. It also has family-friendly beaches like Faliraki and Tsambika.

• Crete - with ancient sites like the Minoan ruins at Knossos, Crete is a fun place to explore with kids. Embark on a boat trip to Spinalonga Island and swim or play at the family-friendly beaches of Elafonissi and Falassarna.

• Naxos - home to stunning beaches and traditional villages, enjoy numerous family-friendly activities in Naxos, such as hiking to Mount Zeus, exploring ancient sites, and trying out water sports at Agios Georgios Beach.

The Best Areas to Stay in Greece for Families

What's great about choosing Greece for your family holiday is you'll have plenty of options for family-friendly accommodations across its many islands and mainland destinations. Here are some of the best areas for families to stay in Greece:

• Athens - you will find family-friendly hotels in neighbourhoods like Plaka or near Syntagma Square, offering easy access to historical sites, parks, and family-friendly attractions like the Acropolis Museum.

• Santorini- while most hotels cater to honeymooners, you will find family-friendly stays in towns like Fira, Firostefani, or Kamari, offering stunning views, kid-friendly facilities, and easy access to beaches and attractions.

• Rhodes - choose family-oriented resorts along the eastern coast near Faliraki or along the northern coast near Rhodes Town, which offer amenities like kids' clubs, pools, and proximity to family-friendly beaches and attractions.

• Crete - stay in resorts along the northern coast near Heraklion, Rethymno, or Chania. These resorts offer family-friendly amenities and have access to family-friendly beaches and proximity to famous attractions like Knossos Palace.

• Naxos - look for family-friendly accommodations in Naxos Town or near family-oriented beaches like Agios Georgios, Agia Anna, or Plaka, which offer a relaxed atmosphere and various activities suitable for all ages.

The Best Things for Families to Do in Greece

As one of the world's most family-friendly destinations, Greece appeals to families with children of all ages. Here are the best things for families to do in Greece.

• Fun days at the beach - with numerous beaches that cater to families with kids, you can spend most of your time at the beaches in Greece, building sandcastles, swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and banana boat rides.

• Exploring ancient ruins - take your curious kids to iconic archaeological sites such as the Acropolis in Athens, the Palace of Knossos in Crete, and the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, where they can learn about ancient history in a fun way.

• Go on island hopping excursions - embark on family-friendly boat tours to explore nearby islands, volcanic calderas (such as Santorini's), and coastal caves, providing opportunities for sightseeing and adventure on the water.

• Explore the great outdoors - exploring Greece's diverse landscapes on a hike is one of the best things to do on your family adventure. The country has many family-friendly hiking trails, including the Samaria Gorge in Crete, the Vikos Gorge in Zagori, and the trails around Meteora. The trails offer breathtaking scenery and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Discover Greek mythology and culture - the best way to introduce kids to Greek mythology and culture is to visit museums, attend theatrical performances, and participate in interactive workshops that bring ancient stories and traditions to life.

What Families Should Pack for Greece

Here’s a list of items to pack for your family trip to Greece:

• Lightweight and breathable clothing.

• Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring ancient ruins.

• Sun protection items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats.

• Beach essentials- beach towels, flip-flops or water shoes, beach toys for children, and a beach bag.

• Travel-sized first aid kit containing medications, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and insect repellent.

• Prescriptions and any necessary medications.

• Travel adapters and chargers for electronic devices.

• Waterproof bags or pouches to protect electronics and valuables during beach outings or boat trips.

• Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.

• Necessary travel documents - passports, travel insurance information, flight tickets, hotel reservations, and any required visas or permits.

• Portable umbrella or lightweight rain jacket for unexpected rain showers.

• Basic toiletries and personal hygiene items, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and soap.